Neurobiology of Khat and Synthetic Cathinones

Khat (Catha edulis (Vahl) Forssk. ex Endl.) (Celestraceae) and synthetic cathinones constitute an important and expanding category of psychostimulants with significant global health impact. While khat has long-standing traditional use, shifts in potency and consumption patterns raise new concerns about its neurobiological effects. Synthetic cathinones, a major class within the novel psychoactive substances (NPS) landscape, pose challenges due to their chemical diversity, high abuse liability, and unpredictable behavioral and toxicological outcomes.

Both natural and synthetic cathinones act on monoaminergic, neuroimmune, and neuroendocrine systems, yet their molecular and circuit-level mechanisms remain incompletely defined. Emerging evidence highlights their influence on reward pathways, neuroplasticity, cognitive function, psychiatric vulnerability, and gut–brain interactions. This Special Issue seeks to address critical gaps in our understanding of these substances to support better prevention and treatment strategies.

Goal
This Special Issue of Advances in Drug and Alcohol Research (ADAR) brings together multidisciplinary research that advances knowledge of the neurobiology of khat and synthetic cathinones. By integrating molecular, cellular, systems-level, and translational studies, the special issue aims to accelerate mechanistic insights and translational advances in understanding to this evolving class of stimulants, thereby supporting progress in psychostimulant research and addiction science.

Scope and Information for Authors
We welcome submissions including—but not limited to—:

• Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of khat and synthetic cathinones on the neural system.
• Neuroimmune, inflammatory, and neuroendocrine responses
• Reward, motivation, stress, and cognitive circuitry alterations
• Gut–brain axis and microbiome interactions
• Gene expression, epigenetic regulation, proteomics, and systems biology findings
• Comparative pharmacology and toxicity of natural vs. synthetic cathinones
• Psychiatric and behavioral consequences, including psychosis and mood dysregulation
• Sex differences, developmental effects, and sociocultural influences
• Clinical, translational, epidemiological, or public health studies
• Novel therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and intervention strategies

Submissions using in vitro, in vivo, neuroimaging, computational, or clinical approaches are encouraged.

Article types and fees

This Special Issue accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Special Issue description:

• Book Review
• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Commentary
• Editorial
• Letter to the Editor
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Special Issue accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Special Issue description:

• Book Review
• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Commentary
• Editorial
• Letter to the Editor
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Review

Keywords: Khat, Synthetic cathinones, Psychostimulants, Neurobiology, Neuroimmune interactions, Reward pathways, Cognitive function, Gut–brain axis, Addiction neuroscience, Novel psychoactive substances (NPS)